Our Research
Looking at social dynamics and gender from a new angle
How (not) to promote DEI in games
Smart cultural insight that protect your game from online backlash.
Over the last years, video games have become deeply politicised, turning into a stage for the culture wars. While few people would disagree that it is important that our games and gaming platforms are not sexist and do not promote misogyny and hate, there is growing resistance to what people perceive as ‘too much wokeness,’ and many DEI initiatives are backfiring.
We investigate the perceptions of this issue within the gaming industry and amongst gamers, with the aim of developing better strategies for promoting equality and diversity which work within existing gaming and gamedev cultures, do not lead to compromising game quality and thus sales, and are less likely to lead to backlash.
Positive Narratives as a method to inspire men and boys to thrive
Men are very often told what not to do, but rarely given guidance on what to do. Without providing positive narratives that resonate with men’s need for community, meaning, and purpose, we risk leaving a vacuum of meaning which is often filled by questionable voices. We need affirmative, constructive, and solution-focused narratives which uphold important values while helping men find their place in an equitable and fair society. Such narratives must address legitimate concerns and inspire men to embrace valued roles in creating just societies that benefit everyone.
Composed as part of the MenEngage Europe Positive Engagement Working Group
Should we talk about ‘Toxicity’?
The notion of ‘toxic masculinity’ has been used in ways which are neither fair nor helpful. But as it is now permanently in our dictionaries, perhaps there is a way to reframe it. I review the two main historical framings discussing their advantages and weaknesses, and construct a synthesis which acknowledges that ‘toxicity’ can and does apply to more than just masculinity, aims to reduce the divisive character of the term, encourages focus on systemic causes and solutions, and supports both action-oriented between-group use and self-improvement-oriented within-group use. A virtue ethical definition can further discourage division and instead promote a focus on systemic causes and solutions.
Ongoing Research Projects
